Electronic device that limits electromagnetic emissions from multiple batteries

ABSTRACT

An electronic device, method, and computer program product enable limiting electromagnetic emissions from current between batteries. A first battery is positioned proximal to an earpiece speaker within the electronic device. At least one second battery is positioned at a different location within the electronic device that is not proximal to the earpiece speaker. A switch is coupled to a first battery proximal to the earpiece speaker among the plurality of batteries. The switch is selectively toggled to limit current drawn from the first battery while the earpiece speaker is operating, in order to reduce baseband electromagnetic emissions emanating from the first battery.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/845,879, filed Apr. 10, 2020, the content of which is fullyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications and,more particularly, to wireless communication devices that are hearingaid compatible.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

While the hearing aid industry has made progress in shielding hearingaids against radio frequency (RF) noise, audio transducers within thehearing aids are still susceptible to noise in the form of low frequencymagnetic fields. In particular, the audio transducers typically includetelecoil couplers that receive signals via an induction field generatedby an induction coupler. Often locations like theaters, grocery storecheck-out lanes, and government offices install induction couplers thatcreate a hearing loop to assist people with hearing aids that aretelecoil equipped. Low frequency magnetic field noise sometimes existsin the same frequency band as the generated induction field. This noisecouples to the telecoil couplers, thereby degrading their signalquality.

Communication devices such as smartphones that are used in proximity tohearing aids are increasingly called upon to incorporate hearing aidcompatibility (HAC), in order to reduce sources of electromagnetic noisethat would interfere with a hearing aid. Certain communication devicesthat have a “flip” form factor of a thin housing with two portions thatunfold to open and fold to close. Flip form factor present a particularchallenge for HAC. Providing sufficient battery power for a flip phonerequires having separate batteries within a base housing and a movablehousing. Electrical current transferring between the two batteriesgenerates low frequency electromagnetic noise that is picked up by ahearing aid, especially when the movable housing of the flip phone isplaced close to the hearing aid during a communication session.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read inconjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated thatfor simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to otherelements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosureare shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a communication devicepowered by multiple batteries having current flow mitigation featuresfor limiting electromagnetic emissions, according to one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the communication device of FIG. 1being positioned in proximity to an ear wearing a hearing aid, accordingto one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified electrical schematic of a powersubsystem of the communication device of FIG. 1, according to one ormore embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical plot of electromagnetic emissions fromthe communication device of FIG. 1 with a flip battery enabled,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical plot of electromagnetic emissions fromthe communication device of FIG. 1 with the flip battery disabled,according to one or more embodiments; and

FIGS. 6A-6B (FIG. 6) present a flow diagram of a method for selectivelylimiting electromagnetic emissions of an electronic device havingmultiple batteries, according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic device, amethod and a computer program product enable limiting of electromagneticemissions from multiple batteries within the electronic device. Theelectronic device includes a first battery that is positioned proximalto an earpiece speaker within the electronic device. At least one secondbattery is positioned within the electronic device at a differentlocation that is not proximal to the earpiece speaker. The electronicdevice includes a controller that is electrically connected to a switch,which is electrically connected in-line with the first battery. Thecontroller selectively toggles the switch between a first switch stateand a second switch state. The controller initiates activation of afirst software mode of the electronic device corresponding to operationof the earpiece speaker of the electronic device. In response to theactivation, the controller toggles the switch to a first switch state inwhich the switch limits current drawn from the first battery while theelectronic device is in the first software mode, in order to reducebaseband electromagnetic emissions emanating from the first battery.

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure, specific exemplary embodiments in which the various aspectsof the disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other changesmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentdisclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure isdefined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. Within thedescriptions of the different views of the figures, similar elements areprovided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previousfigure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are providedsolely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply anylimitations (structural or functional or otherwise) on the describedembodiment. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarilybeen drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elementsare exaggerated relative to other elements.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/orparameter names, such as those of the executing utility, logic, and/orfirmware described herein, are for example only and not meant to implyany limitations on the described embodiments. The embodiments may thusbe described with different nomenclature and/or terminology utilized todescribe the components, devices, parameters, methods and/or functionsherein, without limitation. References to any specific protocol orproprietary name in describing one or more elements, features orconcepts of the embodiments are provided solely as examples of oneimplementation, and such references do not limit the extension of theclaimed embodiments to embodiments in which different element, feature,protocol, or concept names are utilized. Thus, each term utilized hereinis to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in whichthat term is utilized.

As further described below, implementation of the functional features ofthe disclosure described herein is provided within processing devicesand/or structures and can involve use of a combination of hardware,firmware, as well as several software-level constructs (e.g., programcode and/or program instructions and/or pseudo-code) that execute toprovide a specific utility for the device or a specific functionallogic. The presented figures illustrate both hardware components andsoftware and/or logic components.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardwarecomponents and basic configurations depicted in the figures may vary.The illustrative components are not intended to be exhaustive, butrather are representative to highlight essential components that areutilized to implement aspects of the described embodiments. For example,other devices/components may be used in addition to or in place of thehardware and/or firmware depicted. The depicted example is not meant toimply architectural or other limitations with respect to the presentlydescribed embodiments and/or the general invention. The description ofthe illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with theaccompanying figures. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the presentdisclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presentedherein.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of example communication device 100in an operating environment within which the features of the presentdisclosure are advantageously implemented. Communication device 100,managed by controller 101, is an example of an electronic device thatlimits electromagnetic noise caused by current flow between multiplebatteries. In the illustrative embodiment, the multiple batteries arefirst battery 102 a (located in the flip segment of the housing and alsoreferred to herein as flip battery) and one or more second batteries 102b (located in a base segment and referred to herein as base batteries).The flip battery 102 a and the one or more base batteries 102 b areelectrically connected in part by switch 104, which can selectivelymodulate current flow between batteries 102 a-102 b. In one or moreembodiments, the electromagnetic noise is reduced to remain within alimit prescribed for hearing air compatibility (HAC).

Communication device 100 can be one of a host of different types ofdevices, including but not limited to, a mobile cellular phone,satellite phone, or smart-phone, a laptop, a net-book, an ultra-book, anetworked smart watch or networked sports/exercise watch, and/or atablet computing device or similar device that can include wirelesscommunication functionality. As a device supporting wirelesscommunication, communication device 100 can be utilized as, and also bereferred to as, a system, device, subscriber unit, subscriber station,mobile station (MS), mobile, mobile device, remote station, remoteterminal, user terminal, terminal, user agent, user device, a SessionInitiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), computer workstation, a handhelddevice having wireless connection capability, a computing device, orother processing devices connected to a wireless modem.

Referring now to the specific component makeup and the associatedfunctionality of the presented components. In one or more embodiments,communication device 100 includes power subsystem 106, over-the-air(OTA) or wireless communication subsystem 107, data storage subsystem109, and input/output subsystem 110, with each subsystem being managedby controller 101. Wireless communication subsystem 107 includes antennasubsystem 112 having antennas 113 a-113 n and antenna array modules(ARMs) 114 a-114 m. In one or more embodiments, antennas 113 a-113 nsupport lower frequency bands such as ultra-high band (UHB). ARMs 114a-114 m support multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication inhigher frequency bands, such as millimeter Wave (mmWave). Wirelesscommunication subsystem 107 includes RF front end 115 havingtransceiver(s) 116 that includes transmitter(s) (“TX”) 117 andreceiver(s) (“RX”) 118. RF front end 115 further includes modem(s) 119.Wireless communication subsystem 107 includes communication module 120having baseband processor 121. Baseband processor 121 communicates withcontroller 101 and RF front end 115. As described in more detail below,wireless communication subsystem 107 communicates with externalcommunication system 125.

External communication system 125 can include devices such as wirelessheadset 126 and smart watch 127. External communication system 125 caninclude global positioning system (GPS) satellites 128, base node(s)129, access node 131, and networks 132. Base node(s) 129, whichcorrespond to radio access networks (RANs) 133, wirelessly transmit andreceive communication via radio tower 134.

Data storage subsystem 109 of communication device 100 includes datastorage device(s) 143. Controller 101 is communicatively connected, viasystem interlink 142, to data storage device(s) 143. Data storagesubsystem 109 provides nonvolatile storage that is accessible bycontroller 101. For example, data storage subsystem 109 can provide alarge selection of other applications 171 that can be loaded into devicememory 166. In one or more embodiments, data storage device(s) 143includes hard disk drives (HDDs), optical disk drives, solid statedrives (SSDs), etc.

Data storage subsystem 109 of communication device 100 can includeremovable storage device(s) (RSD(s)) 140, which is received in RSDinterface 141. Controller 101 is communicatively connected to RSD 140,via system interlink 142 and RSD interface (I/F) 141. In one or moreembodiments, RSD 140 is a non-transitory computer program product orcomputer readable storage device. Controller 101 can access RSD 140 toprovision communication device 100 with program code. When executed bycontroller 101, the program code causes or configures communicationdevice 100 to provide the functionality described herein.

I/O subsystem 110 includes flip sensor 141, image capturing device 144,proximity sensor 145, and hearing aid induction coil 146. I/O subsystem110 also includes user interface device(s) 147 having touch/hapticcontrols 148 and display 150. Display presents user settings, such asHAC mode control affordance 151. I/O subsystem 110 also includesmicrophone 152, range finder 153, and audio output device(s) 154. I/Osubsystem 110 also includes I/O controller 155, which connects toperipheral devices external to housing 156 of communication device 100.

Controller 101 controls the various functions and/or operations ofcommunication device 100. These functions and/or operations include, butare not limited to including, application data processing, communicationwith other electronic devices, navigation tasks, and signal processing.In one or more alternate embodiments, communication device 100 may usehardware component equivalents for application data processing andsignal processing. For example, communication device 100 may use specialpurpose hardware, dedicated processors, general purpose computers,microprocessor-based computers, micro-controllers, optical computers,analog computers, dedicated processors and/or dedicated hard-wiredlogic.

Controller 101 includes processor subsystem 164, which includes one ormore central processing units (CPUs), depicted as data processor 165.Processor subsystem 164 can include one or more digital signalprocessors 167 that are integrated with data processor 165 or arecommunicatively coupled to data processor 165. Data processor 165 iscommunicatively coupled, via system interlink 142, to device memory 166.

Device memory 166 includes applications such as communicationapplication 168, HAC mode utility 169, multiple battery application 170,and other application(s) 171. Device memory 166 further includesoperating system (OS) 172, firmware interface (I/F) 173, such as basicinput/output system (BIOS) or Uniform Extensible Firmware Interface(UEFI), and other firmware 174. Device memory 166 includes data 175,such as HAC mode settings or private mode settings 176 used by multiplebattery application 170 and other application(s) 171. Processorsubsystem 164 of controller 101 executes program code to provideoperating functionality of communication device 100. These softwareand/or firmware modules have varying functionality when theircorresponding program code is executed by processor subsystem 164 orsecondary processing devices within communication device 100. Processorsubsystem 164 of controller 101 can execute program code of multiplebattery application 170 to limit current drawn from flip battery 102 awhile communication device 100 is close to ear 177 of person 178, inorder to reduce baseband electromagnetic emissions emanating from flipbattery 102 a. In one or more embodiments, the emissions are limited toremain within limits prescribed for HAC with hearing aid 179. Inparticular, hearing aid telecoil 180 of hearing aid 179 can besusceptible to emissions.

In one or more embodiments, controller 101 of communication device 100is communicatively coupled via system interlink 142 to wirelesscommunication subsystem 107, data storage subsystem 109, andinput/output subsystem 110. System interlink 142 represents internalcomponents that facilitate internal communication by way of one or moreshared or dedicated internal communication links, such as internalserial or parallel buses. As utilized herein, the term “communicativelycoupled” means that information signals are transmissible throughvarious interconnections, including wired and/or wireless links, betweenthe components. The interconnections between the components can bedirect interconnections that include conductive transmission media ormay be indirect interconnections that include one or more intermediateelectrical components. Although certain direct interconnections(interlink 142) are illustrated in FIG. 1, it is to be understood thatmore, fewer, or different interconnections may be present in otherembodiments.

Communication module 120 communicates with node node(s) 129 viauplink/downlink channels 190. Communication module 120 communicates withaccess node 131 via transmit/receive signals 191. Communication module120 receives satellite broadcast signals 192 from GPS satellites 128.Communication module 120 communicates transmit/receive signals 193 withwireless headset 126. Communication module 120 communicatestransmit/receive signals 194 with smart watch 127. Communication module120 of wireless communication subsystem 107 operates in basebandfrequency range to encode data for transmission and decode receiveddata, according to a communication protocol. Modem(s) 119 modulatebaseband encoded data from communication module 120 onto a carriersignal to provide a transmit signal that is amplified by transmitter(s)117. Modem(s) 119 demodulates the received signal from base node(s) 129or the received signal from access node 131. The received signal isdetected by antenna subsystem 112. The received signal is amplified andfiltered by receiver(s) 118, which demodulate received encoded data froma received carrier signal.

In one or more embodiments, controller 101, via wireless communicationsubsystem 107, performs multiple types of OTA or wireless communicationwith external communication system 125. Wireless communication subsystem107 can communicate via Bluetooth connection with one or more personalaccess network (PAN) devices, such as wireless headset 126 and smartwatch 127. Communication via Bluetooth connection includes bothtransmission and reception via a Bluetooth transceiver device. In one ormore embodiments, wireless communication subsystem 107 communicates withone or more locally networked devices via a wireless local area network(WLAN) link provided by access node 131. In one or more embodiments,access node 131 supports communication using one or more IEEE 802.11WLAN protocols. Access node 131 is connected to wide area network 132,such as the Internet. In one or more embodiments, wireless communicationsubsystem 107 communicates with GPS satellites 128 to obtain geospatiallocation information.

In one or more embodiments, communication device 100 has base housing181 and a movable housing, referred to herein as flip housing 182. Toaccommodate power requirements within the available thin, two-piecedesign form of housing 156, power subsystem 106 includes flip battery102 a in flip housing 182. Flip battery 102 a is electrically connectedin parallel to the one or more base batteries 102 b via a flex circuit183 between base and flip housings 181-182 and via switch 104. Batterycharger 184 charges flip and base batteries 102 a-102 b in unison tohave essentially the same battery voltage. When flip and base batteries102 a-102 b are not provided line current via battery charger 184, flipand base batteries 102 a-102 b generally discharge in synchronization.Small differences in voltage are equalized by electrical current flow185 through flex circuit 183 and switch 104, causing electromagneticemission 186. Controller 101 limits current flow 185 in response to oneor more conditions: (i) controller 101 detects that HAC mode setting 176is enabled; (ii) controller detects via flip sensor 141 that fliphousing 182 is open; (iii) controller 101 determines that display 150located in flip housing 182 is on; (iv) controller 101 determines thatHAC mode or private mode settings 176 are enabled; (v) controller 101determines that audio output device(s) 154 is an earpiece that isproducing audio output 188; (vi) controller 101 determines, viaproximity sensor 145 that detects reflected signal 198, that fliphousing 182 is proximate to ear 177; (vii) controller 101 determinesthat hearing aid induction coil 146 is being used to communicate withhearing aid 179; (viii) controller 101 determines, via hearing aidinduction coil 146, that hearing aid telecoil 180 is within detectionrange; and (ix) controller 101 determines, via wireless communicationsubsystem 107, that user 178 is proximate to flip battery 102 a. Thelossy dielectric nature of the human body causes a change in antennaperformance that is detectable. Hearing aid induction coil 146 generatesa magnetic field that inductively couples to the hearing aid telecoil180, inducing a signal current. The inductive coupling is electricallydetectable (within a detection range) as the power imparted to themagnetic loop changes.

FIG. 2 depicts flip battery 102 a of communication device 100 beingpositioned in proximity to ear 177 of user 178 wearing hearing aid 179.Flip battery 102 a in flip housing 182 augments stored power of basebattery 102 b in base housing 182. As audio output device 154 is broughtclose to ear 177 to privately convey audio output 188, emissions 186that originate between flip and base batteries 102 a-102 b are alsobrought closer to hearing air telecoil 180. If emissions 186 are aboveHAC limits, emissions 186 can degrade operation of hearing aid 179.Switch 104 limits current flow between flip and base batteries 102 a-102b to allow emissions 186 to remain within HAC limits. Controller 101(FIG. 1) can also limit emissions to avoid interference with other typesof sensitive equipment.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified electrical schematic of example powersubsystem 106 of communication device 100. Flip battery 102 a (firstbattery) in flip housing 182 is an assembly that includes charge storagecell(s) 303 that are referenced to device ground via a serialcombination of current limiting circuit 305 and current sensing resistor(“Rsens”). Battery “fuel” gauge 306 is electrically coupled across Rsensto detect a voltage drop across Rsens that corresponds to current flowthrough flip battery 102 a. Similarly, one or more base batteries 102 bare contained in base housing 181. Flip battery 102 a is electricallycoupled via flip switch 307 to flip-side (electrical) loads 309. Flipside loads 309 are turned off when flip housing 182 is in a closedposition by flip switch 309. Flip switch 309 has a diode oriented toblock current flow to flip side loads 309. A flip field effecttransistor (FET) (Rfetflip) electrically couples flip side loads 309 toflip battery 102 a when Rfetflip is activated. A FET consists of achannel of N- or P-type semiconductor material through which current canflow, with a different material (laid across a section of the channel)controlling the conductivity of the channel. One end of the channel isknown as the source, the other end of the channel is called the drain,and the control mechanism is called the gate. By applying a voltage tothe gate, the flow of current from the source to the drain iscontrolled. The presence or absence of a switch signal to the gatecreates two electrical switch states of the FET.

Base housing 181 includes charging port 311 that is connectable to asource of electrical power provided to battery charger 184. Power frombattery charger 184 is provided to base-side loads 313 and to a firstterminal of line/battery power switch 315. Line/battery power moduleswitch 315 includes diode 317 oriented to block current from batterycharger 184 in parallel with a power module FET 319 that is selectivelyclosed by power transfer gauge/source selector 321 when the electricalpower is satisfactory. When electrically switched to a closed state,electrical power flows to at least base batteries 102 b. According toaspects of the present disclosure, electrical power from battery charger184 and/or base batteries 102 b is selectively coupled or selectivelylimited to flip battery 102 a. A series combination of switch 104(“balance switch”) and a conductive trace on flex circuit 183, depictedas flex printed circuit board (PCB), couples base batteries 102 b toflip battery 102 a. A ground path 319 between flex and base batteries102 a-102 b also passes through flex circuit 183. In one or moreembodiments, printed conductive traces on flex circuit 183 areelectrically represented by resistors “Rflex+” and “Rflex−”. Switch 104includes an impedance component, such as an inductor and/or a resistor,depicted as resistor “Rbalance” that is electrically connected inparallel with bypass FET “Rfetbal”. When bypass FET is open, a smalleramount of electrical current is allowed to pass between flex and basebatteries 102 a-102 b than would pass through the lower impedance pathof a closed bypass FET.

Based on expected differences in battery voltage between flex and basebatteries 102 a-102 b, the amount of current that flows between flex andbase batteries 102 a-102 b is less than limits prescribed for HAC. Inone or more embodiments, bypass FET “Rfetbal” is a normally open FETthat requires a gate voltage to be supplied by controller 101 in orderto be closed. Thus, during assembly and repair of communication device100, an amount of electrical current that passes between flex and basebatteries 102 a-102 b is limited by Rbalance. For example, dischargednew base batteries 102 b could be installed in communication device 100that has a charged flip battery 102 a installed. Controller 101 executesmultiple battery application 170 that responds to factors such asHAC/private settings 176 and position of flip housing 182 detected byflip sensor 141 to close or open bypass FET “Rfetbal”.

In one or more embodiments, bypass FET Rfetbal of switch 104 isselectively configurable between a first state of high source to drainresistance that is substantially higher than a resistance of Rbalanceand a second state of low source to drain resistance that is less thanthe impedance component of resistor Rbalance. Controller 101 selectivelyconfigures switch 104 to an open state by switching the bypass FETRfetbal to the first state, enabling current flows between flip (first)battery 102 a and the at least one base (second) battery 102 b primarilythrough the impedance component of the resistor Rbalance. Controller 101selectively configures switch 104 in the closed state by switchingbypass transistor Rfetbal to the second state enabling the current toflow between flip (first) battery 102 a and the at least one base(second) battery 102 b primarily through bypass transistor Rfetbal.

FIG. 4 is a graphical plot 400 of electromagnetic emissions from thecommunication device with a flip battery enabled. FIG. 5 is a graphicalplot of electromagnetic emissions from the communication device with theflip battery disabled according to aspects of the present disclosure. Asshown by a comparison of plot 400 and plot 500, a significant reductionof 20+% dBV in emissions is realized with the flip battery 102 adisabled from peaks of −90 dBm to peaks of −110 dBm. The lower valueswith the flip battery disabled are adequate for remaining within limitsfor HAC.

FIG. 6 presents a flow diagram of a method for limiting electromagneticemissions of an electronic device having multiple batteries 102 a-102 b(FIG. 1). The description of method 600 is provided with generalreference to the specific components illustrated within the precedingFIGS. 1-5. In at least one embodiment, method 600 can be implementedusing controller 101 (FIG. 1) of an electronic device, such ascommunication device 100 (FIG. 1), that executes multiple batteryapplication 170 (FIG. 1) to enable communication device 100 (FIG. 1) toperform the processes provided by method 600. With reference to FIG. 6A,method 600 includes monitoring, by a controller, usage of an electronicdevice for indicators that the device is about to be (or is being)utilized in a first software mode that corresponds to operation of anearpiece speaker of the electronic device that is powered by batteries(block 602). A first battery, such as flip battery 102 a (FIG. 2), ispositioned proximal to an earpiece speaker, such as audio output device154 (FIG. 2), within the electronic device, such as communication device100 (FIG. 2). At least one second battery, such as base battery 102 b(FIG. 2), is positioned at a different location within the electronicdevice that is not proximal to the earpiece speaker.

One or more determinations (presented as decision blocks 604, 608, 610,612, 614, 616) are made that indicate whether the first software mode isinitiated. In one or more embodiments, a first determination is made, atdecision block 604, whether a communication session is established thatincludes audio output. In response to determining that the communicationsession is established, method 600 includes toggling a switch 104(FIG. 1) that is electrically connected in-line with the first batteryto a first switch state (block 606). In the first switch state, theswitch limits current drawn from the first battery while the electronicdevice is in the first software mode in order to reduce basebandelectromagnetic emissions emanating from the first battery. Then, method600 returns to block 602. In response to determining that thecommunication is not established, a determination is made, in decisionblock 608, whether proximity of an ear to the earpiece speaker isdetected by a proximity sensor of the electronic device. In response todetermining that the proximity of the ear to the earpiece speaker isdetected, method 600 proceeds to block 606. In response to determiningthat the proximity of the ear to the earpiece speaker is not detected, adetermination is made, in decision block 610, whether a HAC mode isenabled via user interface device of the electronic device. In responseto determining that the HAC mode is enabled, method 600 proceeds toblock 606. In response to determining that the HAC mode is not enabled,a determination is made, in decision block 612, whether a hearing aid isdetected in proximity to the earpiece speaker by an antenna subsystem ofthe electronic device. In response to determining that the hearing aidis detected, method 600 proceeds to block 606.

With reference to FIG. 6B, in response to determining that the hearingaid is not detected, a determination is made, in decision block 614,whether a private mode is enabled via the user interface device of theelectronic device. In response to determining that the private mode isenabled, method 600 proceeds to block 606 (FIG. 6A). In response todetermining that the private mode is not enabled, a determination ismade, in decision block 616, whether the switch is currently toggled toa second state in which the switch allows the current drawn from, ordrawn to, the first battery to flow from the one or more secondbatteries. In response to determining that the switch is currentlytoggled to the second state, method 600 returns to block 602. Inresponse to determining that the switch is not currently toggled to thesecond state, but is in the first state, method 600 includes monitoringa first voltage sensor that detects a first electrical characteristicrelated to the first battery voltage of the first battery (block 618).Method 600 includes monitoring a second voltage sensor that detects asecond electrical characteristic related to the second battery voltageof the at least one second battery (block 620). Method 600 includesdetermining the first and the second battery voltages from therespective electrical characteristics detected by the first and thesecond voltage sensors (block 622). Method 600 includes computing adifference between the first and the second battery voltages andcomparing a magnitude of the difference to a switch threshold (block624). Switch threshold can be defined as percentage of fully-chargedbattery, such as 2%, 5%, 10% or 20%, etc. A determination is made, indecision block 626, whether the magnitude of the difference is greaterthan the switch threshold. In response to the magnitude of the differentbeing greater than the switch threshold, method 600 includes maintainingthe switch in the first state (e.g., open state) (block 628). The firststate of the switch has greater impedance than the second state,reducing the rate of current transference between batteries. Theexisting voltage difference between flip and base batteries 102 a-102 bis allowed to equalize over a longer period to avoid a spike in currentlevel. The voltage imbalance could, for example, occur during a periodof time in which the switch is in the first state. The voltagedifference would be negligible if the switch was previously in thesecond state, which would have enabled voltage equalization. The secondstate can enable battery charging across the switch without excessiveheat being generated. From block 628, method 600 returns to block 602.In response to the magnitude of the difference being less than or equalto the switch threshold, method 600 includes triggering the switch totoggle from the open state to the closed state (block 630). Method 600returns to block 602.

In the above described flow charts presented herein, certain steps ofthe methods can be combined, performed simultaneously or in a differentorder, or perhaps omitted, without deviating from the spirit and scopeof the described innovation. While the method steps are described andillustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specific sequence ofsteps is not meant to imply any limitations on the innovation. Changesmay be made with regards to the sequence of steps without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the present innovation. Use of a particularsequence is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present innovation is defined only by the appended claims.

Aspects of the present innovation are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinnovation. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, embodiments of thepresent innovation may be embodied as a system, device, and/or method.Accordingly, embodiments of the present innovation may take the form ofan entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment combining software andhardware embodiments that may all generally be referred to herein as a“circuit,” “module” or “system.”

While the innovation has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the innovation. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system,device or component thereof to the teachings of the innovation withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the innovation not be limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed for carrying out this innovation, but that the innovation willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote anyorder or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are usedto distinguish one element from another.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the innovation.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present innovation has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the innovation in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the innovation. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the innovation and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the innovationfor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: an earpiecespeaker; a plurality of batteries, with at least one battery positionedwithin the electronic device at a location that is not proximal to theearpiece speaker; and a switch coupled to a first battery proximal tothe earpiece speaker among the plurality of batteries, the switchselectively toggled to limit current drawn from the first battery whilethe earpiece speaker is operating, in order to reduce basebandelectromagnetic emissions emanating from the first battery.
 2. Theelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a controller that iselectrically connected to the switch and which selectively toggles theswitch between a first switch state in which current flows from thefirst battery and a second switch state that limits the current drawnfrom the first battery.
 3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein thecontroller toggles the switch to the first switch state in response toone or more determinations from among: (i) a communication session isestablished that includes audio output; (ii) proximity of an ear to theearpiece speaker is detected by a proximity sensor of the electronicdevice; (iii) a hearing air compatibility (HAC) mode is enabled via userinterface device of the electronic device; (iv) a hearing aid isdetected in proximity to the earpiece speaker by an antenna subsystem ofthe electronic device; and (v) a private mode is enabled via the userinterface device of the electronic device.
 4. The electronic device ofclaim 2, further comprising: a memory that stores a mode application anda current mode setting among a first software mode and a second softwaremode; and the controller executes the mode application to enable theelectronic device to: in response to determining that the current modesetting is the first software mode, configure the switch to an openstate to limit electromagnetic noise due to the current flow to remainwithin a hearing aid compatibility (HAC) regulatory limit; and inresponse to determining that the current mode setting is the secondmode, configure the switch to the closed state.
 5. The electronic deviceof claim 1, further comprising: an impedance component comprising atleast one of: (i) a resistor; and (ii) an inductor that is electricallycoupled in parallel with the switch and in-line between the firstbattery and the at least one second battery; wherein the switchcomprises a bypass transistor electrically coupled in parallel to theimpedance component between the first and the at least one secondbattery, the bypass transistor selectively configurable between a firststate of high source to drain resistance that is substantially higherthan a resistance of the impedance component and a second state of lowsource to drain resistance that is less than the impedance component ofthe resistor; and wherein an open state of the switch corresponds to thebypass transistor being in the first state and current flows between thefirst and the at least one second battery primarily through theimpedance component; and a closed state of the switch corresponds to thebypass transistor being in the second state enabling the current to flowbetween the first and the at least one second battery primarily throughthe bypass transistor.
 6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein thebypass transistor comprises a field effect transistor (FET) in aninactive state having source to drain resistance that is greater thanthe electrical resistance of the impedance component, the FET having agate terminal communicatively coupled to the controller, the controllerproviding a switching signal to the gate terminal of the FET toconfigure the FET to the second state wherein the FET has source todrain resistance that is less than the electrical resistance of theimpedance component, the FET configured in the first state in responseto the controller removing or not providing the switching signal to thegate terminal in response determining that HAC mode is ON.
 7. Theelectronic device of claim 5, wherein the bypass transistor comprises afield effect transistor (FET) in an inactive state having source todrain resistance that is greater than the electrical resistance of theimpedance component, the FET having a gate terminal communicativelycoupled to the controller, the controller providing a switching signalto the gate terminal of the FET to configure the FET to the second statewherein the FET has source to drain resistance that is less than theelectrical resistance of the impedance component, the FET configured inthe first state in response to the controller being inactive duringassembly or repair of the electronic device in which one of the firstbattery and the at least one second battery can have a different levelof charge warranting a limit on current transfer during initialelectrical connection.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first voltage sensor that detects a first electricalcharacteristic related to the first battery voltage of the firstbattery; and a second voltage sensor that detects a second electricalcharacteristic related to the second battery voltage of the at least onesecond battery; wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to thefirst voltage sensor and the second voltage sensor, and to enable theelectronic device to configure the switch to a closed state, thecontroller: determines the first and the second battery voltages fromthe respective electrical characteristics detected by the first and thesecond voltage sensors; compares a magnitude of a difference between thefirst and the second battery voltages to a switch threshold; andselectively triggers the switch to toggle between the open state and theclosed state or to remain in one of the open state and the closed statebased on a value of the magnitude of the difference compared to theswitch threshold.
 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein inselectively triggering the switch, the controller: in response to themagnitude of the difference being greater than the switch threshold:identifies whether the switch is in the closed state; and in response tothe switch being in the closed state, triggers the switch to toggle tothe open state; and in response to the switch being in an open state,maintains the configuration of the switch in the open state; and inresponse to the magnitude of the difference being less than or equal tothe switch threshold, triggers the switch to toggle between the openstate and the closed state.
 10. The electronic device of claim 1,further comprising: a base housing that contains the at least one secondbattery that is constrained in size by dimensions of the base housing; amovable housing containing the first battery having additional chargestorage that augments the at least one second battery in an electricalparallel arrangement, the movable housing positionably coupled to thebase housing between a closed position and an open position, the movablehousing comprising the earpiece audio device that is placed to an ear ofa user during a communication session in the private mode operation; anda housing sensor positioned to detect the closed position and the openposition of the movable housing; wherein the controller iscommunicatively coupled to the earpiece audio device and the housingsensor, and the controller enables the electronic device to configurethe bypass transistor to the open state further in response todetermining, via the housing sensor, that the movable housing is in theopen position.
 11. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprisinga hearing aid telecoil communicatively coupled to the controller, thefirst software mode comprising hearing aid compatibility (HAC) mode isON, the controller enabling the electronic device to: in response todetermining that the HAC mode setting is OFF, generate an audio outputvia the earpiece audio device during the communication session; and inresponse to determining that the HAC mode setting is ON, transmit anaudio signal via an inductive coupling of the hearing aid telecoil ofthe electronic device to the telecoil of the hearing aid.
 12. A methodcomprising: initiating operation of an earpiece speaker of theelectronic device that is powered by a plurality of batteries, theplurality of batteries including a first battery positioned proximal tothe earpiece speaker within the electronic device and at least onesecond battery positioned at a different location within the electronicdevice that is not proximal to the earpiece speaker; and in response todetecting the initiating operation of the earpiece speaker, toggling aswitch electrically connected in-line with the first battery to a firstswitch state in which the switch limits current drawn from the firstbattery while the earpiece speaker is operating in order to reducebaseband electromagnetic emissions emanating from the first battery. 13.The method of claim 12, further comprising, in response to theelectronic device entering into a mode in which the earpiece speaker isnot operating, toggling the switch to a second switch state in which theswitch allows the current drawn from the first battery to flow.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein toggling the switch to the first switchstate is in response to one or more of: (i) determining that acommunication session is established that includes audio output; (ii)detecting proximity of an ear to the earpiece speaker by a proximitysensor of the electronic device; (iii) determining that a hearing aircompatibility (HAC) mode is enabled via user interface device of theelectronic device; (iv) detecting a hearing aid that is in proximity tothe earpiece speaker by an antenna subsystem of the electronic device;and (v) determining that a private mode is enabled via the userinterface device of the electronic device.
 15. The method of claim 13,further comprising: in response to determining that a mode setting ofthe electronic device is a first software mode, configuring the switchto the open state to limit electromagnetic noise due to the current flowto remain within a hearing aid compatibility (HAC) regulatory limit; andin response to determining that the mode setting is a second softwaremode, configuring the switch to the closed state.
 16. The method ofclaim 12, wherein: an impedance component comprising at least one of:(i) a resistor; and (ii) an inductor is electrically coupled in parallelwith the switch and in-line between the first battery and the at leastone second battery; the switch comprises a bypass transistorelectrically coupled in parallel to the impedance component between thefirst and the at least one second battery, the bypass transistorselectively configurable between a first state of high source to drainresistance that is substantially higher than a resistance of theimpedance component and a second state of low source to drain resistancethat is less than the impedance component of the resistor; configuringthe switch to the open state comprises switching the bypass transistorto the first state enabling current flows between the first and the atleast one second battery primarily through the impedance component; andconfiguring the switch in the closed state comprises switching thebypass transistor to the second state enabling the current to flowbetween the first and the at least one second battery primarily throughthe bypass transistor.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising:monitoring a first voltage sensor that detects a first electricalcharacteristic related to the first battery voltage of the firstbattery; monitoring a second voltage sensor that detects a secondelectrical characteristic related to the second battery voltage of theat least one second battery; determining the first and the secondbattery voltages from the respective electrical characteristics detectedby the first and the second voltage sensors; comparing a magnitude of adifference between the first and the second battery voltages to a switchthreshold; in response to the magnitude of the difference being greaterthan the switch threshold: identifying whether the switch is in a closedstate; in response to the switch being in the closed state, triggeringthe switch to toggle to an open state; and in response to the switchbeing in the open state, maintaining the configuration of the switch inthe open state; and in response to the magnitude of the difference beingless than or equal to the switch threshold, triggering the switch totoggle between the open state and the closed state.
 18. A computerprogram product comprising: a non-transitory computer readable storagedevice; and program code on the non-transitory computer readable storagedevice that when executed by a processor associated with an electronicdevice including an earpiece speaker, including a plurality ofbatteries, with a first battery positioned proximal to the earpiecespeaker within the electronic device and at least one second batterypositioned at a different location within the electronic device that isnot proximal to the earpiece speaker, and including a switchelectrically connected in-line with the first battery, the program codeenables the electronic device to provide functionality of: initiatingoperation of the earpiece speaker; and in response to detecting theinitiating of operation of the earpiece speaker, toggling the switch toa first switch state in which the switch limits current drawn from thefirst battery while the earpiece speaker is operating in order to reducebaseband electromagnetic emissions emanating from the first battery. 19.The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the program codeenables the electronic device to provide the functionality of: inresponse to the electronic device entering into a mode in which theearpiece speaker is not operating, toggling the switch to a secondswitch state in which the switch allows the current drawn from the firstbattery to flow; in response to determining that a mode setting of theelectronic device is a first software mode, configuring the switch to anopen state to limit electromagnetic noise due to the current flow toremain within a hearing aid compatibility (HAC) regulatory limit; and inresponse to determining that the mode setting is a second software mode,configuring the switch to the closed state.
 20. The computer programproduct of claim 18, wherein the program code enables the electronicdevice to toggle the switch to the first switch state in response to oneor more of: (i) determining that a communication session is establishedthat includes audio output; (ii) detecting proximity of an ear to theearpiece speaker by a proximity sensor of the electronic device; (iii)determining that a heating air compatibility (HAC) mode is enabled viauser interface device of the electronic device; (iv) detecting a hearingaid that is in proximity to the earpiece speaker by an antenna subsystemof the electronic device; and (v) determining that a private mode isenabled via, the user interface device of the electronic device.